Karen Vaisman is a professional photographer and Master Retouch Artist with over 30 years of experience and 300+ 5-star reviews. Her Agoura Hills studio serves clients across Los Angeles and Ventura County.
U.S. Passport Photos & U.S. Citizenship Photos —
Simi Valley & Moorpark
Professional Studio Lighting — Ready In 1 Hour — 300+ Five-Star Reviews
Guaranteed US Passport Photo & US Citizenship Photo Approval — Or Your Retake Is FREE.
Your session takes just 5 minutes. Walk away with perfect, premium biometric photos you will look genuinely proud to carry for the next ten years.
Pricing is available on our booking page — most clients are in and out in under an hour.
I needed a passport photo in a hurry. Not only did Karen provide same day, the photo was stunning. This amazed me as you can't smile and other requirements. Karen is wonderful to work with. She is truly a skilled and passionate artist. Karen took time to review each photo with me to make a selection. All this was done in under one hour.
What's Included
Your US Passport & Citizenship Session
Printed to exact State Department dimensions — precise sizing and quality paper.
Shadow-free white background — shadows are the most common reason for rejection.
Professional lighting eliminates shadows and flatters every face.
Karen guides your chin angle and positioning for the most flattering result.
Every shot reviewed on the iPad. You pick your favorite before anything is finalized.
Need to apply online? We provide perfectly formatted digital files for the State Department's new passport renewal portal — correct file size and pixel dimensions, guaranteed.
Book online in minutes.
Deaf-friendly, mobility-accessible. Infants, children, seniors, and clients with special needs warmly accommodated.
30+ Years of Perfect Acceptance — retake is FREE if it ever happens.
In 30+ years, a retake has never been needed.
Look this good in your passport photo.
USCIS Compliant · Thousand Oaks
US Citizenship Photos —
Same Studio, Same Guarantee
US citizenship and immigration photos require the same 2×2 inch format as a US passport photo — plain white background, correct head size, and taken within the last 30 days. Whether you are attending a naturalization ceremony, renewing a green card, or need photos for any USCIS immigration document, Karen's studio produces fully compliant photos with professional studio lighting and a shadow-free white background.
Photos must be taken in a professional studio. Drugstore fluorescent lighting causes green and yellow color casts on skin that cannot be fixed — and shadows are the leading reason immigration photos are rejected. Digital files formatted to USCIS specifications are available for online applications.
Exact USCIS dimensions — identical format to a US passport photo.
Shadow-free — the most common reason citizenship and immigration photos are rejected.
Many USCIS applications require two matching photos, both printed from the same approved shot.
Correctly sized and formatted for online USCIS applications and the myUSCIS portal.
Book close to your filing or ceremony date — USCIS requires a recent photo.
If your photo is ever rejected, Karen will retake it for free. In 30+ years, a retake has never been needed.
Why Clients Drive to Agoura Hills for Their Thousand Oaks Passport Photo
Most people come because they want to look genuinely great in a photo they will carry for ten years — not a harsh drugstore flash shot taken under fluorescent lights. The US allows for a "natural smile," but capturing it perfectly without getting rejected for an "unnatural expression" takes expert human coaching. Karen guides your angles and expressions to help you look your absolute best, most confident, and entirely compliant.
Thousand Oaks clients are just 10 minutes away via the 101 — a short drive for a photo you'll carry for 10 years.
The closest professional passport photo studio to Thousand Oaks — just 10 minutes via the 101.
Clients travel from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Moorpark, Los Angeles, and across the Conejo Valley because:
At CVS it's one shot and done — like the DMV. Here you get a photographer who shoots until she knows she has a great photo.
You see every shot on the iPad and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
Mastering the "Neutral Expression" (No Smiling Required)
The primary hurdle for an official biometric document photo is meeting strict government facial criteria without looking cold or unnatural.
The Master Retouch Artist Approach: As a Master Retouch Artist, Karen knows that since passport shadows are the most common reason for rejection, getting the studio lighting perfect in-camera is the only way to eliminate harsh contrast.
I coach your chin angles and help you gently relax your facial features to project approachable warmth and confidence. You stay 100% compliant with biometric standards while completely avoiding an unflattering appearance.
Not sure what to wear? See our what to wear guide below ↓
Rejection Cause #1 — Shadows On Photo
Meet our Shadow-Free Passport Photo Studio
This is not a drugstore passport photo.
Karen has prepared U.S passport photos for 30+ years with a 100% acceptance rate. Every photo includes professional studio lighting, shadow-free backdrop, and precise sizing — the level of care most area photo shops don't even attempt.
Shadow-free lighting. Accurate sizing. Ready in 1 hour.
U.S. Passport Photos Cut to Exact 2×2 Inch Size
Karen meticulously prepares each photo for accurate sizing, clean presentation, professional lighting, and U.S. passport application requirements — including the correct head size and plain white background.
Specialist in Infant & Child
US Passport Photos
- Large Studio Softboxes: Gentle professional lighting eliminates shadows while being safe for sensitive infant eyes.
- Expert Flat-Lay Setup: Safe, flat-lay white backgrounds for newborns who can't sit up independently.
- Warm & Relaxed: Studio space heaters ensure your infant remains comfortable and calm.
- 30 Years of Success: I haven't had a photo rejected in 30 years — and if it ever happens, I'll redo it for free.
Quick Answers — US Passport Photos
Has Karen ever had a US passport photo rejected?
Zero rejections — ever. Every US passport photo Karen has produced has been accepted by the State Department. Karen is meticulous about every technical detail — correct 2×2 inch dimensions, shadow-free white background, and precise head sizing. If your photo is ever not accepted, Karen will retake it for free. In 30+ years, a retake has never once been needed.
How is a professional studio passport photo different from CVS or Walgreens?
At CVS it's one shot and done — like the DMV. Drugstore fluorescent lighting causes green and yellow color casts on skin that cannot be fixed. Since passport photos cannot be retouched, what you get is what you carry for 10 years. Karen shoots until she knows she has a great photo — you see every shot on an iPad and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
How long does a US passport photo session take?
About 5 minutes in studio. Printed photos ready in 1 hour. Digital files delivered via WeTransfer within 1 hour. Book online or call (818) 991-7787.
What Passport Photo Clients Say
I was very pleased to find her professional experience as a photographer resulted in a flattering photo that I can present without cringing — as is usual with passport photos. She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the requirements to make sure they are not rejected. Highly recommend.
Read this review on YelpFor someone who hates her photographs being taken, you made it easy and fun. Thank you for your patience and professionalism, for making me feel so comfortable — and thank you for the great pictures.
Read this review on Yelp
US Passport Photos
Simi Valley & Moorpark
Professional Passport Photos You’ll Feel Confident Using For The Next 10 Years
Real Passport
Photo Examples
Professional studio lighting can make a dramatic difference in how your passport photo looks
for the next 10 years.
Print & Digital
Passport Photos
Karen Vaisman Photography offers both printed and digital U.S. passport photos — priced separately so you only pay for what you need. Prints are ready in 1 hour. Digital files are delivered via WeTransfer within 1 hour of your session and are formatted to meet the latest State Department online portal requirements.
Visit Our
Agoura Hills Passport Photo Studio
Professional U.S. passport photos by appointment in a relaxed, private studio setting — serving Simi Valley, Moorpark, Santa Susana, Wood Ranch, and surrounding areas.
Karen Vaisman Photography
5624 Silver Valley Ave
Agoura Hills, CA, 91301
Questions About
Passport Photos?
Call (818) 991-7787 or use the contact form below to reach Karen Vaisman Photography. Appointments are available in Agoura Hills
By appointment only.
Professional U.S. Passport Photos
Professional studio lighting •
1-hour turnaround •
By appointment in Agoura Hills
(818) 991-7787
Best Clothing Choices for Passport Photos
The right clothing can make a huge difference in your passport photo. Rich jewel tones and darker colors usually photograph best, helping you look more polished, confident, and flattering on camera. Avoid white tops, busy patterns, and neon colors, which can wash you out under lighting.
After all… if you’re going to use this photo for the next 10 years, you may as well look your best.
Have questions?
US Passport & Citizenship Photo FAQ — Simi Valley
Zero rejections — ever. Every US passport photo Karen has produced has been accepted. In the unlikely event your photo is ever not accepted, Karen will retake it for free. Read what clients say on our reviews page.
- Multiple shots — shoots until she has a great one
- You choose your favorite — every shot shown on iPad
- Expert posing guidance — chin angle, expression, shoulders
- Five studio lights — eliminate shadows, flatter every face
- Private studio — not a pharmacy counter
Since passport photos cannot be retouched, getting it right in camera is everything.
Always. Immediate iPad viewing after every session — you see every shot and choose your favorite before anything is printed.
Most clients come because they want to look genuinely great in a photo they will carry for ten years. Karen brings over 30 years of professional photography experience to every session. Read 300+ five-star reviews or book online.
Wear a solid colored top that contrasts with the white background. Jewel tones — navy, emerald, burgundy, deep purple — photograph beautifully. Avoid white or pale tops. No glasses, hats, or uniforms.
About 5 minutes in studio. Prints ready in 1 hour. Digital files via WeTransfer within 1 hour.
- 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) print size
- Head between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches chin to top of head
- Plain white or off-white background — no shadows
- Neutral expression — mouth closed, both eyes open
- No glasses, hats, or headwear (unless religious)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Printed on photo-quality paper
Yes. US citizenship and immigration photos require the same 2x2 inch format as a US passport photo. Karen's studio produces fully USCIS-compliant photos with professional studio lighting and a shadow-free white background.
Yes — and Karen specializes in exactly these clients. Infants, young children, seniors, and clients with mobility needs are all welcome. Deaf-friendly and fully mobility-accessible.
Yes. Digital files meet the exact pixel dimensions and file specifications required for online US passport applications and renewals.
No — they are completely different. Canadian passport photos require different dimensions, a mandatory commercial studio stamp on the back, and precise head measurements that differ from US standards. Karen specializes in both. Canadian passport photos and Canadian citizenship photos are also available.
Karen Vaisman Photography is located at 5624 Silver Valley Avenue, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 — about 20 minutes from Simi Valley via the 118 to the 101 Freeway.
Book online here or call (818) 991-7787. Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm, by appointment only.
